If the mattress is very soft, his weak front legs may sink into it when he tries to push backward.
If the surface is slippery, his chest may migrate toward the edge more quickly.
Comfort and safety have to work together.
Staff Begin Adjusting the Resting Area
The goal is not to force Mochi into a conventional sleeping posture.
It is to reduce the amount of physical work required for him to rest safely.
A lower, stable surface may reduce the drop between bed and floor.
Support around the area can help prevent an uncontrolled slide.
Smooth, stable bedding can reduce bunching beneath weak limbs.
The exact setup has to fit Mochi's medical needs.
Nobody Simply Pushes His Head Back Onto the Mattress
That would make the picture look more normal.
It might not make Mochi more comfortable.
If turning or lifting his neck hurts, repeatedly repositioning his head could cause additional discomfort.
Instead, staff watch how Mochi chooses to position himself and look for ways to support him without forcing painful movement.
Pain Management Changes the First Part of the Night
As treatment continues, Mochi begins moving differently.
He still goes to the bed.
He still stops near the edge.
But one evening, instead of immediately dropping his head over the side, he keeps it level for several seconds.
Then he lowers it.
The difference is tiny.
Yet it suggests holding his head up may be becoming less difficult.
His Front Legs Start Doing More Too
When Mochi begins sliding, his correction becomes stronger.
Instead of struggling for several seconds to gain two inches, he plants his paws and pushes backward in one controlled movement.
His chest moves farther onto the mattress.
He pauses.
Then, predictably, his head returns to the edge.
The old position remains.
But getting out of danger requires less effort.
Strength and Comfort Do Not Recover at the Same Speed
Mochi may experience less pain before his muscles become substantially stronger.
Or strength may improve while certain neck movements remain uncomfortable.
Recovery does not have to happen evenly.
That is why staff watch function rather than relying on a single sign.
Can he rise?
Can he reposition?
Can he hold his head comfortably?